Islamabad: The Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting has voiced significant concern regarding the non-payment of salaries to media workers and increasing layoffs within media organizations. The committee, during its recent meeting, called on the Ministry to develop a comprehensive plan to address these issues within 15 days.

According to National Assembly of Pakistan, the committee, led by Chairman Mr. Pullain Baloch, MNA, highlighted the severe impact of salary delays and abrupt terminations on media professionals. Despite the government’s regular payments to media outlets, these organizations were reportedly not meeting their financial obligations to employees. The committee demanded a detailed strategy from the Ministry to ensure the resolution of outstanding salaries, promoting effective coordination with media outlets and worker organizations.

Additionally, the meeting addressed an incident involving the Chairman of the Press Council of Pakistan, which is under judicial evaluation and investigation. The committee opted to defer further discussion until the completion of these proceedings to avoid any overlap or prejudice.

The committee also examined the performance of the Central Board of Film Censors, noting the need for a unified film certification framework. It expressed concerns about the provincial disparities in certification standards and urged for a coordinated approach to establish consistency across the country. The discussion included recent amendments to the Motion Picture Ordinance 1979, which will involve changes in the structure of the Board.

The meeting was attended by various Members of the National Assembly and key officials from the Ministry of Information and related departments.